Stakeholder organizations such as the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) play a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies and ensuring that the voices of medical professionals are heard in the legislative and administrative processes. These organizations utilize several key methods to interact with Congress and the Administration, including Requests for Information (RFIs), comment letters and letters of support.
RFIs are formal tools Congress and federal agencies use to gather input on specific issues from stakeholders, including professional organizations, industry experts and the public. When an RFI is issued, it signals that lawmakers or regulators seek detailed information or opinions.
For an organization like the SVS, responding to RFIs is an opportunity to influence policy by providing evidence-based insights and recommendations. These responses typically include data from clinical research, expert opinions and practical insights from medical practice. The SVS can help shape policies that impact vascular surgery and broader healthcare practices by submitting comprehensive and well-supported responses.
The SVS has recently submitted comments to an RFI regarding consolidation in healthcare markets. Highlighting its negative impact on independent practices and patients, the SVS noted that mergers can worsen geographic, logistical and cost barriers, reducing access to vital services for vulnerable populations. The SVS urged the Administration to consider these concerns in policy and enforcement decisions. For more information, visit vascular.org/RFI_Response.
Comment letters are another vital mechanism through which the SVS can influence federal policy, distinct from RFIs in both purpose and timing. RFIs are typically issued at the early stages of policy development to gather broad input and ideas from stakeholders. In contrast, comment letters are solicited during the rulemaking process after a proposed regulation has been drafted. This timing allows organizations like the SVS to respond to specific regulatory proposals with focused feedback.
The SVS leverages its expertise to submit comment letters that critique, support, or suggest modifications to these proposed rules. By focusing on the regulations’ practical implications, the SVS can highlight potential impacts on patient care, medical practice and healthcare costs. These letters provide detailed analysis, often supported by clinical data and professional experience, to substantiate the organization’s position. Participating in this process allows the SVS to ensure that the concerns and perspectives of vascular surgeons are directly considered before final regulations are enacted.
The SVS recently joined a coalition of medical organizations in submitting a formal response to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding its draft research plan on Enhanced Risk Assessment for Cardiovascular Disease. The response emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in evaluating both the benefits and potential risks and calls for a research framework that integrates comprehensive data from recent and historical studies to mitigate health disparities and enhance early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. For more information, visit vascular.org/Comment_Letter.
In contrast, letters of support are proactive endorsements of legislative initiatives or regulatory actions. Letters of support are used to endorse specific pieces of legislation, regulatory actions or other governmental initiatives. When a bill that aligns with the SVS’s goals is introduced in Congress, organizations may issue a letter of support to circulate to Congress. These letters articulate why the proposed legislation benefits patient care, public health and the medical community.
Letters of support often highlight the legislation’s practical implications, provide patient testimonials and cite relevant research to bolster the case. By lending its voice, the SVS can help build momentum for legislative initiatives that align with its mission and advocate for policies that improve vascular health.
The SVS joined over 60 other medical organizations in advocating for continued education, training and mental health resources for healthcare professionals by sending a letter of support to the reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act.
For more information, visit vascular.org/Support_ Letter.
ANDREW KENNEY is a member of the SVS advocacy staff, representing the Society in Washington, D.C.
